Coat of arms, hymn and flag of Scotland

The flag of Scotland is its national historical symbol and insignia. As everyone knows, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In the past (until 1707) it was an independent kingdom, today it is only an autonomous region. Having achieved independence in 1999, what did Scotland get? Coat of arms and flag, elected Parliament, a separate state church and its own legal system. In this article we will talk about the national symbols of Scotland.

Flag of Scotland

Many people saw this beautiful and unique flag. From this article you will learn everything about the flag of Scotland: photos, options, history, legends.

So, the national Scottish symbol is a rectangular canvas blue with an oblique white cross on it. Its part is also used in the national flag of Great Britain, namely: the Scottish flag is overlaid with a red cross of the English.

The exact ratio of the sides of the flag is not regulated anywhere. As a rule, cloths with a ratio of 2: 3 are used. Less often - 2: 5. But the width of the diagonal cross strips is determined to within 1/5 of the total width of the flag.

St. Andrew's flag

For the first time this symbol (white cross on a blue background) was used in 1286, it decorated the seals of the national guard. The very same flag of Scotland appeared much later - in 1542. This symbol has another name - the flag of "Saint Andrew", and in Russia - "Andreevsky". Why does the Scottish national symbol bear a name?

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. He was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ and also preached Christianity. For which the Romans crucified him. But Saint Andrew considered himself unworthy to die just like Christ, so he was crucified on two pillars that intersected each other diagonally. Hence the name - "St. Andrew's Cross."

The Legend of King Angus

Around the historical banners there were always many secrets, speculation, tales and guesses. And the national flag of Scotland also has its own legend.

So, it all started back in 832, during a great battle near the modern capital of Scotland - Edinburgh. Then the army of Scots was surrounded by a huge army of Angles, and the chances of victory were minimal. The night before the decisive battle, King Angus Mac Ferguson appealed to God. He asked for victory over the Angles. That night he vowed in front of God that if the Scots win, he would declare Saint Andrew the patron of the free Scottish kingdom.

And early in the morning on a blue sky suddenly appeared clouds in the form of a diagonal "Andreevsky" cross. The Scottish army rejoiced, and the Angles were frightened. In the end, the victory remained for King Angus, despite the superiority of the enemy. And the monarch fulfilled his vow given to God - Saint Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland, and his symbol adorns the national flag.

And although historians claim that the flag of Scotland appeared only many years later, in 1542, I would like to hope that in this case the truth behind the legend.

Coat of arms of Scotland

The kings of Scotland also had their official standard - a ferocious lion of red color, opening its mouth and releasing sharp claws on a gold background. This symbol was considered an unofficial flag of the kingdom and rose into the air above the castle only when the monarch was present. Later, this "ferocious lion" became an indispensable part of every royal coat of arms of Scotland.

This symbol was not approved by British law as the official flag of the country. However, later it became the national coat of arms of Scotland.

Hymn of Scotland

In Scotland there is no official anthem. However, there are several candidates for his title.

The first to be considered is the work "The Flower of Scotland" by the Scottish band "The Corries". It is this song that sounds when the Scottish national rugby team enters the field.

The second contender is "Scotland the Brave" performed by Cliff Handley.

To date, none of these songs is recognized as an official anthem. The fact is that the first song does not completely characterize Scotland today, and the text of the second one is practically unknown to anyone. As a result, the autonomous region of the UK needs a new modern hymn.

Informal characters

In addition to official symbols in Scotland, there are so-called semi-official symbols. It is a white unicorn with a shield, bagpipe - a national musical instrument, tartan - a Scottish ornament and a thistle, which is depicted on banknotes.

Why a thistle? It's full in Scotland. This nondescript flower besides the image on money, is found in all souvenir shops, well, and of course, grows in fields and meadows.

No one knows why a thistle is a symbol of Scots. But even here there is a legend. According to legend, while the Scottish army slept, the enemy quietly crept to them to cut in a dream. However, the enemy troops stepped on the thorny thistle and howled in pain, thus waking up the Scots. The army mobilized after sleep and interrupted the enemy. In gratitude, the thistle was called the Guardian and became the symbol of Scotland, albeit unofficial.